February 26, 2025 by Clarissa Ayala
Lone Star Legal Aid Helped Mr. Soublet Get a Fresh Start with Bankruptcy
Mr. Soublet, a 60-year-old man who has survived several natural disasters, was struggling to make ends meet. His only income came from Social Security benefits, which were being reduced to pay off old debts to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Social Security Administration. Because of this, he did not have enough money to pay his rent and faced eviction several times in the past year. To get by, Mr. Soublet relied on food stamps, asked for help from family and charities, and even donated blood for extra cash.
Feeling overwhelmed, Mr. Soublet turned to Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) for help. LSLA attorneys filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case on his behalf. This kind of bankruptcy can erase certain debts and give people like Mr. Soublet a fresh financial start. The legal team made sure to notify the SBA’s local lawyers about the case, and when it was time for the important meeting with creditors, no one showed up. The bankruptcy trustee decided that Mr. Soublet did not have any assets that could be used to pay off his debts.
What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a legal process that allows people who cannot afford to pay their debts to have them forgiven. It is sometimes called a “fresh start” bankruptcy because it helps people wipe out most debts like credit card bills, medical expenses, and certain loans. In exchange, a person might have to give up some property, but many basic items like clothing, furniture, and sometimes even a car or home are protected. Because Mr. Soublet has a limited income, the court did not require him to give up anything.
Legal Aid was a great help! They literally saved my life,” shared Mr. Soublet.
Mr. Soublet no longer has to worry about the money being taken from his Social Security benefits. He can finally focus on living his life without the stress of debt weighing him down.
